What is OSHA?

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a federal regulatory agency. OSHA standards are legally enforceable and require employers to identify workplace hazards and warn employees of potential dangers.

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What is ANSI?

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) publishes voluntary consensus standards, including the ANSI Z535 series, which defines how safety signs and labels should be designed.

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Is ANSI required by law?

No. ANSI standards are not laws. However, ANSI Z535 is widely recognized as industry best practice and is often referenced by OSHA inspectors when evaluating hazard communication.

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Do I need OSHA signs or ANSI signs?

You need to meet OSHA requirements, and the most effective way to do that is by using ANSI Z535–style signage.

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Does ANSI certify safety signs?

No. ANSI does not certify or approve products. “ANSI Z535-style” means the sign is designed according to ANSI guidelines.

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Why do safety managers prefer ANSI Z535 signs?

ANSI Z535 signs are:

• Immediately recognizable

• Consistent across facilities

• Easier to audit

• Widely accepted in industrial environments

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Are ANSI Z535 signs OSHA compliant?

ANSI Z535–style signs are commonly used to support OSHA hazard communication, but final compliance depends on proper hazard assessment, placement, and training.

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What signal words are used in ANSI Z535?

• DANGER – Immediate hazard, death or serious injury

• WARNING – Potential hazard, death or serious injury

• CAUTION – Potential hazard, minor or moderate injury

• NOTICE – Important information, no injury hazard

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What’s the simplest way to stay compliant?

Identify hazards as required by OSHA and use ANSI Z535–style signs to communicate them clearly.